We’re so excited to let you know about our next major project and our first collaboration with the wonderful team at Victorian Opera.

Adapted from Helen Garner’s acclaimed novel, The Spare Room is a powerful new Australian opera about friendship and the truths that test us.

When Nicola arrives in Melbourne seeking a miracle cancer treatment, her friend Helen fast becomes her nurse, guardian angel and stony judge as they negotiate an unmapped path through Nicola’s bizarre therapy.

Composer Jane Hammond and librettist Therèsa Borg bring the rage, tenderness and complexity at the heart of Garner’s award-winning book to life, letting its story sing on stage.

Heartening, harrowing and darkly funny, this world premiere production stars Natalie Jones and Antoinette Halloran, and is directed by Sarah Goodes (The Talented Mr Ripley, Julia).

Please come and join us for a very special night at the theatre.

The Monstrous Theatre team.

CREDITS

Composer: Jane Hammond

Librettist: Therèsa Borg

Based on The Spare Room by Helen Garner

CREATIVE TEAM
Conductor: Phoebe Briggs

Director: Sarah Goodes

Set & Costume Designer: Harriet Oxley

Lighting Designer: Paul Jackson

CAST

Helen: Natalie Jones

Nicola: Antoinette Halloran

Leo & Others: Adrian Tamburini

Dr Kaplan & Others: Emily Bauer-Jones

Lucy & Others: Carrie Barr

Iris & Others: Rachael Joyce

Bessie: Scarlett Sheludko / Juliette Tancredi

ORCHESTRA

Victorian Opera Chamber Orchestra